It’s hard to beat a summer in the South Sound, especially for outdoor dining. With amazing views of Puget Sound and stunning outlooks of Mt. Rainier, you’ll want to take a tour of our favorite spots every week this summer. Here’s a baker’s dozen + to round out your summer expedition.
Gig Harbor
Devoted Kiss Cafe
Every list needs a go-to breakfast spot and the Devoted Kiss Café meets all the criteria with delicious food, a beautiful outdoor patio, and deckside seating overlooking the bay. devotedkisscafe.com
Netshed No. 9
With stellar waterfront views, NetShed No. 9 is a great place for casual meetups. Make sure to check out the Ooey Gooey Skillet Cookie as a special treat.
netshed9.com
Morso Bistro
A cozy wine bar, Morso Bistro is a great place to unwind and relax while taking in stunning views of the Harbor.
morsobistro.com
Tides Tavern
A long-time local hangout on the water in Gig Harbor, accessible by land or sea. Watch boats motor into the bay.
tidestavern.com
Tacoma/Ruston
The Fish Peddler
Located on the Foss Waterway, the Fish Peddler serves up the freshest seafood at their full-service restaurant featuring daily specials, award-winning clam chowder, handcrafted cocktails, local drafts and wines on their extensive patio dining area. pacificseafood.com
Woven Seafood and Chophouse Inspired by Roy Yamaguchi
Tacoma’s newest waterfront restaurant at the iconic waterfront location of the previous Shenanigans. Nestled on the waterfront, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of Commencement Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and Mt. Rainier. eatwoven.com
Katie Downs Waterfront Tavern
A 21-and-up establishment, Katie Downs has a lively tavern atmosphere fit for any season, but it is especially fun in the summer months. Whether you come for the delicious pizza or the fresh fish & chips, dining over the water at Katie Downs is a relaxing treat for any meal. katiedowns.com
Olympia
Dockside Bistro & Wine Bar
Offering an upscale dining experience with a focus on seafood and wine, Dockside’s location provides fantastic views of the waterfront.
docksidebistro.com
Budd Bay Cafe
This classic Northwest fish house on the waterfront offers a diverse menu and breathtaking views of Budd Bay.
buddbaycafe.com
1889 Prime
The premiere steakhouse in the greater Olympia area, 1889 sources most of their offerings from the Pacific Northwest. Located in the heart of downtown Olympia at The Views on Fifth building, this new restaurant has patio seating to take in the Capitol buildings and the beautiful area surroundings. 1889prime.com
Row
Olympia’s freshest place to gather features a wide array of lunch and dinner selections in their family-friendly atmosphere near the Olympia waterfront. A spacious patio area allows for wonderful alfresco dining under bright umbrellas. rowolywa.com
Olympia Oyster House
The historic Home of Seafood since 1859, this restaurant is situated in the same building where The Olympia Oyster Company culled native Olympia oysters. Serving a varied lunch and dinner with seafood as its mainstay, the back patio keeps the summers alive with music on Thursday through Sunday nights.
olympiaoysterhouse.com
Puyallup
Farm 12 Restaurant and Events
Featuring a menu made from scratch that often highlights locally grown items, Farm 12 is located on a former family-run flower farm and includes wonderful outdoor spaces. farm12.org
Toscano’s Italian Grill
Chef specials and signature cocktails coupled with live music from 6-8:30pm on Toscano’s Terrazzo covered, heated patio space round out a distinctly elevated dining experience.
toscanospuyallup.com
BY LYNN CASTLE